BREAKING: Court bars NLC, TUC from planned Feb. 3 protest

The National Industrial Court (NIC) in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other union officials from embarking on any form of industrial action or protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Justice Emmanuel Sibilim, also barred three named individuals — Comrades Benson Upah, General NA Toro, and Stephen Knabayi — from participating in any industrial action linked to the case.

The order followed an ex parte application filed jointly by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration. The motion, filed under Suit No. NICN/ABJ/30/26, was handled by the applicants’ legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. James Onoja.

The court specifically restrained the 1st to 5th respondents, their agents, or privies, from embarking on a strike pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. Additionally, security agencies listed as the 5th to 9th defendants were directed to ensure law and order is maintained in the FCT.

In the court documents, the FCT Minister and Administration stated that the Chairman of the FCT Council had allegedly mobilised members of affiliated unions for a mass protest scheduled for February 3. They contended that such action violates an existing court order.

The FCT Minister noted that the prior injunction, issued on January 27, had already restrained the unions from industrial action. Despite this, the NLC and TUC allegedly issued statements instructing members to continue the strike, an act the claimants described as aimed at causing chaos and disrupting governance in the nation’s capital.

Supporting affidavits revealed that on January 19, 2026, workers under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) had locked FCT Administration offices, including schools and departments, bringing governmental operations to a standstill. The claimants contended that the unions’ subsequent directives urging resumption of strikes defied the court’s January 27 order.

The court has adjourned the substantive hearing of the matter to February 10, 2026.

In the affidavit, the FCT Minister and Administration highlighted concerns over potential breakdowns of law and order, obstruction of traffic, and violations of residents’ rights, particularly affecting private businesses, other government agencies, expatriates, and tourists.

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